night, to prevent pilfering and disputes; but other tribes continuing to arrive, increasing their strength, it occasioned me great anxiety; because I knew, as the last arrivals had left their families behind, they came with warlike intentions, and with hopes of plunder, in case an opportunity offered. This devilry was, however, neutralized by the gentlemen in charge of the settlement making them more presents of blankets, bread, knives, scissors, and such like useful articles; with which the tribes separated, apparently satisfied with the generosity shown them, and with the promises made of further supplies on the arrival of the next ship from Van Diemen's Land.
That vessel brought several gentlemen, amongst whom was Mr. Gellibrand, and they engaged me as their Interpreter, at a salary of fifty pounds a year, with rations. Soon after this, we started on an exploring expedition, looking for land; and were out about six days, traversing in the meantime, all the country round, visiting Buckley's Falls, the Yawang Hills, and other localities already mentioned; during which journey we fell in with a man, his wife, and children, with whom I had been many months, who all lamented bitterly my having left them; but the present of a blanket happily soothed their affliction.
On our return to Melbourne we found another vessel had arrived, bringing a cargo of potatoes and other food, and articles suited to the general wants and requirements of the settlement. A great portion of the former I daily distributed to the natives by order of the persons
